Paul A. Vilhauer

November 29, 1950 – July 8, 2020

Paul A. Vilhauer, 69, of Spearfish, S.D. passed away July 8, 2020, at Monument Health in Rapid City, S.D. After an accidental fall, health issues arose leading to heart complications.

Paul was born Nov. 29, 1950, at Ipswich, S.D. to Elyard and Leona (Brandner) Vilhauer. He grew up on a farm six miles south of Long Lake, S.D. He attended farm school until he went to Leola Public School graduating high school in 1970.

Paul was united in marriage to Jeannette Vetch on Nov. 26, 1971, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Hosmer, S.D. He farmed from 1971-1978.

He married Hazel Rath Mettler on Nov. 10, 1978, at the Brown County Courthouse in Aberdeen, S.D. They called Colorado their home for 31 years, where they ran the Evergreen Group Home for a short period before starting their own business, P & H Underground Communications, owning and operating it from 1986-2002. They moved to the Black Hills in the summer of 2009 where he drove truck for New Generation Service delivering mineral tubs to surrounding towns and ranches.

Paul had many hobbies: such as his love for motorcycles, fishing, and hunting. He was very talented with building and customizing motorcycles and pickup trucks. He loved playing softball for many years with all of his buddies. He was a very talented craftsman and his work ethic was admirable. Most importantly he loved his family. He had a deep love for Hazel, his children, and his grandchildren. His family will remember him for his black sleeveless tees, his fondness for wolves, Steppenwolf, and fireworks.

Grateful for having shared in Paul’s life are his wife, Hazel Vilhauer, and dog, Abby of Spearfish, S.D.; daughter, Tracy (Chad) Reiman and their children Dawson and Brooks of Norfolk, Neb.; son, Troy (Heidi) Vilhauer and their children Rylee and Halle of Johnstown, Colo.; step-son, Mike (Liza) Mettler and their children Maycee and Sadie of Eureka, S.D.; brother, Leo (Ruthie) Vilhauer of Leola, S.D.; sister, Arlene Webb/Stanley of Aberdeen, S.D.; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Preceded in Death; Parents, Elyard and Leona Vilhauer; Grandparents, August and Mary Vilhauer, and his beloved Albert and Pauline Brandner.

In lieu of flowers and memorials, please come to Long Lake, S.D., and celebrate Paul’s life on August 1st at 4 p.m. at the Long Lake Bar and Cafe.

Arrangements are under the care of the Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written

at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.